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Barrage Balloons over Falmouth, Cornwall. 1942
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Barrage Balloons over Falmouth, Cornwall. 1942
A view from a field of eleven or more barrage balloons tethered over Falmouth. Barrage balloons were bags partially filled with hydrogen and attached to a steel cable anchored either to the ground or large vehicles. The balloon could be raised or lowered to the desired altitude by means of a winch. The balloons denied low level airspace to enemy aircraft thereby decreasing their bombing accuracy and the risk of dive bombing. Photographer: Unknown
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : FALwr.7
Media ID 15290863
© From the collection of the RIC
EDITORS COMMENTS
Guardians of the Skies: Barrage Balloons over Falmouth, Cornwall - 1942". In this print from the Royal Cornwall Museum archives, we are transported back to a pivotal moment during World War II. A field in Falmouth becomes an unlikely battleground as eleven or more formidable barrage balloons dominate the skyline. Tethered by steel cables and partially filled with hydrogen, these colossal bags serve as a powerful deterrent against enemy aircraft. The unknown photographer skillfully captures the essence of wartime resilience and ingenuity. The sight of these majestic balloons suspended in mid-air is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Each balloon represents a vital line of defense, denying low-level airspace to enemy planes and effectively reducing their bombing accuracy. As we delve into history's pages, we discover that these floating sentinels were not merely objects but symbols of hope for those living under constant threat. Their presence instilled confidence among civilians while simultaneously unsettling potential attackers. This evocative image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during those tumultuous times. It pays homage to the brave men and women who worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to protect their communities from harm. Let this photograph transport you back to an era where ordinary landscapes transformed into extraordinary battlegrounds; where steel cables held steadfast against adversity, ensuring that even amidst chaos, freedom prevailed over fear.
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